Page 44 of Breakout
Wyatt gives me a knowing look but keeps his mouth shut. It’s why he’s my favorite. He knows when to mind his own business.
“I thought we were best friends. Something is going on with you, and I hate that you won’t tell me,” Brett pouts.
“I mean, you have been happier recently,” Clay adds. “It would make sense if you were getting laid.”
I mentally scoff at him. I’ve been getting laid for months. That’s not why I’m happy.
“He was humming some sappy love song the other day in the shower. I heard him,” Kellan tells the others.
“What the fuck? When were you listening to me shower, you creepy fucker? Does Cora know about this kink?”
“She does, and she approves,” he deadpans.
“Gross. That’s my sister,” Clay groans.
“I’m fucking kidding. It was after practice. I was showering too. Can’t help but overhear someone showering like he’s the only guy in the room.”
I wince.
He’s talking about the day we got married. I remember the song I was humming. It was that old Elvis song about falling in love. I heard it on a wedding playlist I put on during my workout, and it stuck.
Fuck. I’m doing a terrible job at hiding this.
“I don’t know why you are all up in my jock right now. I’m not seeing anyone. Can a guy not be happy for no reason?”
“No,” everyone says at once.
Sighing, I give them a little bit of the truth. “I figured out how to get my dad off my back for a bit about dating some chick he wants me to date. That’s all.”
They all nod as if it is a plausible excuse.
“And the song?” Brett asks.
Fucker is too nosy for his own good.
“Heard it on the radio, and it was stuck in my head. Are we done with the Spanish Inquisition now? Can we get back to the game or are we going to keep gossiping like a bunch of girls? Next thing you know, Brett is going to be braiding hair.”
“Hey, I’m really good at it.”
I roll my eyes. “Seriously? Are we done?”
Everyone nods. “All right, let’s play teams. Who is taking Brett?”
“Not it,” we all say in unison, touching our noses.
“Wyatt, you have to pick up your pace. You’ve got him.”
Wyatt groans but shoots me a wink.
I know he lost on purpose. It’s his chosen role in the group. Taking care of us without us knowing.
It’s the same reason I know he knows what’s going on, but he’s going to let it go.
I’ll need to tell him something eventually, but for now, I settle in for a battle royale.
God, I miss my wife.
Looking at my phone, I wonder if she will call me. It sounds like she has a night off for once. I push away the disappointment that she didn’t choose to spend it with me. She needs her friends, but I’m selfish.
